Dmitry Oparin "Central Asian Mullahs in Migration: Problems of Duty, Loyalty and Interethnic Relations"

On February 17, 2021, Dmitry Oparin presented his research entitled "Central Asian Mullahs in Migration: Problems of Duty, Loyalty and Interethnic Relations" within the framework of the "Cross-cultural Seminar" (headed by Olga Bessmertnaya) together with the  “Migration studies” Seminar (headed by Ekaterina Demintseva and Dmitriy Oparin). 

Abstract: The presentation is devoted to the social relief and configuration of the Muslim space of Irkutsk. The research focuses on the position, relationships in a multiethnic environment, religious practices and perceptions of Central Asian mullahs - Muslims, immigrants from different countries of Central Asia, who take an active part in the religious life of the local community, conduct certain rituals, consult their fellow believers, call themselves mullahs, have a certain social capital.

They do not hold any official positions in the muftiate and the city mosque, however, they play an important role in the construction of the religious everyday life of their fellow believers, the formation of the local Muslim space.

The presentation pays special attention to the specifics of the relationship of mullahs with the imam, fellow countrymen and the heterogeneous Muslim environment in general.